Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has clarified the situation regarding medical bills related to the ongoing anti-government protests, emphatically stating that no one has been asked to pay for services at government facilities.
Nakhumicha sought to dispel fears that Kenyans injured in the protests are being asked to pay for treatment in hospitals. Her tweet on the matter sparked a storm after an M-Changa account was created to help cover the bills.
"My attention has been drawn to efforts by some individuals to raise funds from the public to pay hospital bills for persons injured during the demonstrations," Nakhumicha wrote on her X platform on Wednesday morning.
According to Nakhumicha, out of the 294 casualties attended to in Referral Hospitals, 235 have been treated for various degrees of injuries and discharged without being asked for payment. She added that 58 are still admitted, with one in ICU and three awaiting surgery.
In what was interpreted as a jab at the organisers of the fundraiser for settling medical bills and aiding in funeral arrangements for those killed in the ongoing protests, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha received a swift response.
Hanifa Adan, one of the organisers of the M-Changa fundraiser that has raised nearly Ksh30 million, countered, stating, “KNH waived the bills after you guys were aired here, and I mentioned that. There are still many people at KNH complaining that they haven’t received surgery yet and are in pain.”
She added, “We transferred five people from KNH to Nairobi West, and they’re doing well. KNH refused to transfer people after that and started politics.”
The nationwide unrest has resulted in tragic losses and widespread hospitalisations.
Among the families who have received assistance are those of Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu, who each received Ksh1 million, according to one of the M-Changa signatories. "We have sent one million each to their (Rex and Evans) families," stated Hanifa Farsafi.
"The remaining will be sent to the family of Ian, who was shot three times in the back and won’t be able to walk again."
By Monday, July 1, 39 fatalities and 361 injuries had been reported. That number has increased following Tuesday’s violent protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) disclosed alarming figures on Monday, July 1, revealing 32 abductions and 627 arrests amid the escalating unrest.
The KNCHR added that there had been 32 cases of "enforced or involuntary disappearances" and 627 arrests of protesters. Largely peaceful anti-tax rallies, led predominantly by young Gen-Z protesters, descended into shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday when lawmakers passed the contentious legislation.
After the vote was announced, crowds ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi, partly setting it ablaze as police fired live bullets at protesters. On Tuesday, Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed receiving over 30 casualties, with one person confirmed shot dead by police in Migori. Two people were allegedly shot and injured by a private gun owner in Mombasa.
This is despite the court's order last week prohibiting the police from using teargas and live bullets against protestors. The protests began on June 18 against the proposed finance bill 2024.
